7 (But Kinda 11) Happy Hours by the Water

Water, water, everywhere, but not a drop to drink. I guess that’s what happy hour is for, right? To sate your thirst for a refreshing beverage on a hot summer’s day, as well as your appetite for stunning waterfront views.

Living in Vancouver, we’re blessed to be surrounded by the ocean on almost all sides. There are many fine restaurants and casual brew pubs that dot our city’s shores, some of which offer fresh seafood dishes that highlight our proximity to the sea. Stop for a beer by the bay and drink in the incredible views of the water.

Several of the establishments on this list have not one, but two seaside locations with happy hours. Stop by Cactus Club Cafe in Coal Harbour after a long day at the office, or pedal over to their English Bay location to sip and watch the sunset over the water. Both locations offer $4 Longboard Lager and Gypsy Tears, $6 movin wine, $4 sunset soda, and $5 bellinis from 3-6pm, but only the English Bay location has late night happy hour from 9pm to close.

Whether you choose to watch the tankers and seaplanes in Burrard Inlet or the stand-up paddleboarders in False Creek, Mahony & Sons is the perfect seaside destination. Happy hour features include local pints, craft bottles, highballs, and select shots available from 3-6pm Monday to Friday.

3. TAPshack (Burrard Bridge and Coal Harbour)

A post shared by TAPshack (@tapshackeatery) on Feb 18, 2017 at 3:48pm PST

Nestled under the Burrard Bridge, TAPshack boasts picture perfect views of False Creek from its patio. Swing by either location (its sister establishment sits in Coal Harbour) from 3-6pm to enjoy $4.50 beer, $5 wine, $4 highballs, and select appies such as Santa Fe chicken tacos and two for one popcorn.

Meandering around the False Creek seawall, thirsty Vancouverites can find relief at Tap & Barrel in Olympic Village. This is one of the best patios in the city; it’s full of life, especially after work when the dragon boats and kayakers race through the water. Classic happy hour offerings include $5 beer, $6 wine, and $4 highballs from 3-6pm.

At Sandbar, they don’t call it happy hour. They call it #musselmania, and for good reason. Enjoy fresh mussels and a pint of Granville Island Beer in the lounge for just $15, available Monday to Friday from 3-6pm. Once you’ve had your fill, we recommend grabbing a bottle of vino and sitting on the dock as day turns to dusk over the Burrard Street Bridge.

The Boathouse has operated seven incredible waterfront locations, making it a must for our list. This upscale dining spot offers a whole menu of happy hour appies, including ahi tuna tacos, calamari for one, and coconut shrimp. Also: $5 draft beer, $6 wine, $5 spirits, $7 cocktails, and select oysters from $1.69-$2.59. It’s a full menu all on its own, so get there right at 3 and don’t budge until happy hour ends at 6pm.

Vancouver’s waterfront is almost more beautiful at night than it is in the daytime. Night owls can stop for late night happy hour (10-midnight) at Ten Ten Tapas, a gorgeous seafood restaurant and jazz spot under the Burrard Bridge. Reservations are recommended, and all drink and food specials are only $5.